More than 90 artworks by pupils from Selby and Goole schools were on show in a temporary gallery at Drax Sports and Social Club this week (Tuesday 13 December 2011).

Young artists aged 5-18 were celebrated on the day with 12 awards in the Drax Art In The Community competition, now in its fifth year. Prizes of art supplies and school donations totalling £3,500 were presented by Drax chief executive Dorothy Thompson at a ceremony attended by teachers.

This is the first time in the competition's history that all entries have been exhibited and the judging completed in a one-day gallery event.

Finalists' work was decided on by a panel of six judges including renowned York-based landscape artist Malcolm Ludvigsen, who has exhibited across the UK and in America, Martin Walker, head of art at Barlby Secondary School, Snaith Primary School head teacher Linda Scarll, David Anderson, Artist and Director of Graphic Ad, Damien Speight, Head Trader and Lisa Bower, Head of Procurement, both at Drax.

Malcolm Ludvigsen also hosted an oil painting demonstration, while other master classes included giant-sized cartoons and computer generated images (CGI) techniques.

Children were also encouraged to express their enjoyment of art verbally, with a simulated TV studio used to capture sound bites which are planned to feature on a website next year promoting the Drax art initiative.

Dorothy Thompson said: "The event enabled us to bring together pupils with professional artists and give them an insight into styles and techniques which they may not have seen before.

"From the reaction of the children and teachers it was clear the day was full of enjoyment for everyone."

She added: "We believe Art In The Community encourages young people to express themselves through art and we're delighted to support the work of teachers in developing this feeling among their pupils."

Art In The Community is an initiative within Drax's community relations programme that is designed to encourage and develop art appreciation as part of the company's support for education and to promote art learning within the National Curriculum.

For more information, please contact:

Melanie Wedgbury/Rachael Hudson
Drax Power 01757 618381

Sam Addie/Richard Harrison
Imagen PR 01943 468778
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Notes to Editors

1. Drax Power Limited is the owner of Drax Power Station, the largest, cleanest and most efficient coal fired power station in the UK. The output capacity from the station's six generators is 4,000MW. At current output levels it supplies some 7% of the UK's electricity needs. It is also the UK's single largest source of renewable electricity through burning sustainable biomass in place of coal.

2. Full list of winners in the 2011 Drax Art in the Community competition:

Category: 5-7 years
1st Olivia Peavay, Snaith Primary School
2nd Rosie Longin, Howden Primary School
3rd Kaelyn Bissell, Marshlands Primary School

Category: 7-11 years
1st Claire Nicholson, Hambleton Primary School
2nd Faith Woodall, Snaith Primary School
3rd Frazer Kirkland, Cliffe Primary School

Category: 11-14 years
1st Megan Hind, The Snaith School
2nd Macaila Smith, Brayton High
3rd Pheobe Moraes, The Snaith School

Category: 14-18 years
1st Charlotte Heckingbottom, The Snaith School
2nd Rebekah Morris, Brayton High School
3rd Calum Finn, Barlby High School